Engaging in a dialogue with your doctor will help you educate yourself about type 2 diabetes and the available treatment options, and it'll give your doctor a better sense of who you are and how diabetes is affecting your health and your life. With the lines of communication open, you and your doctor will be better able to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs.

But remember, your time with your doctor is limited, so be sure to arrive at your appointment prepared to ask the questions about type 2 diabetes that are important to you.

Strategizing. Your family doctor may not be able to answer all of your questions about type 2 diabetes; some questions may be better addressed by a specialist, such as an internist, an endocrinologist, a vascular surgeon, an ophthalmologist, a podiatrist, or a dietitian. Discuss this with your primary care doctor, and follow up with visits to appropriate specialists, as directed by your doctor. You might also want to do additional research of your own.

Keeping records. Consider keeping a journal of your diabetes concerns between visits to the doctor, and share any relevant information with your doctor, such as challenges you face in keeping your blood sugar levels under control, symptoms that could indicate brewing diabetes complications, and the effectiveness of your medications. Additionally, taking notes during your appointments will help you remember important details after your visit. Alternatively, you may consider bringing a recording device or inviting someone to accompany you and take notes for you.

Basic Questions About Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. If you have type 2 diabetes, it means that your body either doesn't make insulin or doesn't use it efficiently. However, type 2 diabetes can be managed by decreasing insulin demand, by means of dietary changes, exercise, and medication, for example, as well as with treatments that increase insulin supply, including medications like sulfonylureas and meglitinides, as well as insulin itself.

If you haven't yet been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes but think you may have symptoms, talk to your doctor about arranging a diabetes evaluation.

Once you have a formal diagnosis, your doctor will give you information about type 2 diabetes and recommend a course of treatment. You may have some questions or concerns about your diagnosis and how type 2 diabetes will affect your health and your life. Consider asking your doctor the following:

What is type 2 diabetes? Is it curable?

What kinds of tests determined that I have type 2 diabetes?

Are there any pre-appointment restrictions I need to know about for future visits? For example, do I need to fast if I'm going to have a blood sugar test?

What caused my type 2 diabetes? Did I do something to cause it? Is it a hereditary condition?

Does eating carbohydrates cause type 2 diabetes?

I have a family history of heart attack and/or stroke; how might that affect my health?

Does type 2 diabetes put me at risk for complications such as heart disease, blindness (retinopathy), nerve damage (neuropathy), or kidney damage (nephropathy)? How can I avoid such complications?

What is the difference between hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia?

How can I tell if my blood sugar is too high or too low? Will I have to test my own blood sugar at home? What should I do about either high or low blood sugar?

What are urine ketones? Will I have to measure those too?

What are the best treatments for type 2 diabetes?

What are the risks of not treating type 2 diabetes?

How will type 2 diabetes affect me over the long term?

How can I keep my diabetes from worsening?

What should I do if my symptoms worsen, or if I experience new symptoms?

Is it possible for type 2 diabetes to go away on its own?

Medications and Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes

Different medications for type 2 diabetes work in different ways. Your doctor may prescribe injectable insulin or one or more oral medications to control your blood sugar. It's important to understand the medications your doctor prescribes. Ask your doctor about each medication, read the inserts the pharmacy includes with your prescriptions, and take each medication as directed. Knowing how your medication is supposed to work will help you evaluate its effectiveness and whether or not it's the right medication for you. Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor about type 2 diabetes medications:

Do I need insulin at this time? If I don't need insulin now, is it possible that I'll need it in the future?

Do I need oral medication, or can I be treated effectively without it?

What type of drug are you prescribing for me, and how does it work?

How often and for how long will I need to take this medication?

Where can I get more information about this drug?

How will the medication make me feel, and how will I know if it's effective?

When can I expect an improvement in my condition?

What are the risks if I don't take my medication as directed, or if I forget to take it?

Has this medication been tested in people with type 2 diabetes? Are there any recent research studies on it?

Are there any side effects I should be aware of?

What should I do if I experience any side effects? Are there any that may require me to call a doctor? Are there any that may require me to stop taking the medication immediately?

Is this drug habit-forming?

Can I take this on an empty stomach, or should it be taken with food?

Could this medication interact negatively with other medications I'm taking?

Will I always have to take medicine for type 2 diabetes?

Are there any foods, drinks (such as alcohol), vitamins, herbal supplements, over-the-counter drugs, or other products that might affect my blood sugar level and that I should avoid while taking this medication?

Can other conditions interfere with or be affected by my medication?

Should cut down on my sugar or carbohydrate intake?

Should I see other specialists, such as an internist, an endocrinologist, a vascular surgeon, an ophthalmologist, a podiatrist, or a dietitian, for type 2 diabetes or possible complications?

Your Emotional Health and Living Type 2 Diabetes

In addition to affecting your body, type 2 diabetes can take a toll on your emotional health. Because it's a chronic condition, diabetes can cause denial, depression, frustration, anger, helplessness, and low self-esteem. Your doctor can help you find ways to cope with the emotional stress of diabetes, manage your feelings, and handle the impact type 2 diabetes is having on your life and relationships. Ask for a referral to a counselor, psychotherapist, or support group, and find out what else you can do to improve your emotional health while living with type 2 diabetes. Here are some questions to ask your doctor:

How do I know if depression and stress are adversely affecting my health?

Should I seek help from a counselor, a psychotherapist, or a support group?

How should I explain my condition to my spouse, family, and friends? What, if anything, should I say to my boss and co-workers?

How is my condition likely to affect my relationships, and what can I do to improve my situation?

How can my family help me cope with type 2 diabetes?

What should I do if I feel I'm being discriminated against at work or school?

Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Diabetes

You may want to consider complementary or alternative treatments for your diabetes, such as yoga, Reiki therapy, or herbal and other dietary supplements. Ask your doctor if any of these options might be beneficial for you:

Are there any complementary or alternative therapies I should consider?

Is yoga helpful for people with type 2 diabetes?

Can Reiki therapy benefit diabetic neuropathy?

Are there any herbs or other supplements — like alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, coenzyme Q10, polyphenols, magnesium, ginseng, cinnamon, garlic, or omega-3 fatty acids — that you would recommend?

Has any medical research supported these complementary or alternative therapies?

Health and Lifestyle Concerns

Participating in a physical fitness regimen, following a balanced diet, getting adequate rest and sleep, quitting smoking, moderating your alcohol consumption, and avoiding substance abuse of any kind can all contribute to your overall health. This type of healthy lifestyle is especially important for people with type 2 diabetes who are trying to keep their blood sugar levels in balance. Check with your doctor to find out whether you need to make any lifestyle changes or whether there's anything he or she recommends that you do at home, work, or school that would help you better manage your type 2 diabetes:

Do I need to make any changes in diet or exercise or how much I rest?

Will exercising more make my condition worse, or would it help improve it? Are there exercises I should avoid? What precautions should I take when I exercise?

Should I have a diabetes action plan, in case my blood sugar gets out of control? Can you work with me to develop one?

Should I keep a diabetes emergency supply kit? If so, what should I put in it?

Can you recommend any books, magazines, organizations, or online resources that focus on type 2 diabetes?

Financial Health and Type 2 Diabetes

The costs associated with your type 2 diabetes treatment will affect your overall finances. It's crucial to find ways to balance your physical health with your financial health. Ask your doctor about ways in which you may be able to offset the cost of your treatment, and follow up with a representative from your insurance company, as necessary:

How much will my medication cost, and will it be covered by my health insurance plan?

Is there a generic version of the medication that would be more affordable? If not, are other, equally effective medications available as generics?

Do you have any samples or discounted coupons for my prescription?

If I choose a complementary or alternative therapy, is it likely to be covered by my insurance? If not, what kind of out-of-pocket costs can I expect?

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